About me – solo travel and adventure!

A woman with blonde hair tied back in a ponytail stands in front of an ancient stone temple ruin, framed by a large rectangular doorway. She wears a white t-shirt with a colorful elephant design, a blue patterned skirt, and carries a crossbody bag. She gazes off to the side with a relaxed expression, while the weathered stone walls and lush greenery in the background add to the historic ambiance.
I was lucky to visit Angkor Wat in November, a real bucket list experience

Hi, I’m Em – solo traveller, history grad, and founder of Globetrotting Gems

I’m a solo traveller in my late 30s with a degree in history and an insatiable curiosity for the world. I’ve been travelling alone since my early 20s and have visited 48 countries (and counting). Right now, I’m on a year-long adventure through Southeast Asia, living out of a backpack and chasing hidden gems one destination at a time.

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This blog is where I share everything I’ve learned (and am still learning) from life on the road—from practical travel tips and destination guides to honest reflections on what it’s really like to travel solo when you’re no longer 21.

This travel blog is reader-supported. Some links are affiliate links, which means I might earn a small commission if you make a booking or purchase—at no extra cost to you. I only recommend places and products I genuinely love and trust.

→ Browse my Destination Guides for must-visit spots.

A woman wearing sunglasses, a sleeveless top, and denim shorts stands in front of an ornate, golden-yellow temple gate in Vietnam. The gate features intricate details, curved roof edges with dragon motifs, and Chinese calligraphy on vertical banners. The bright blue sky and lush green trees frame the scene.
Visiting the beautiful temple at West Lake, Hanoi

Why I Travel Solo

Solo travel started as a way for me to push past comfort zones, and somewhere along the way, it turned into a way of life. There’s something empowering about navigating new cities alone, booking spontaneous train rides, and discovering who you are when there’s no one else around to fill the silence.

I know what it’s like to feel nervous before a trip—or wonder if solo travel is only for twenty-somethings with no responsibilities. That’s why I created Em’s Globetrotting Gems: to show that solo travel is for anyone, at any age.

→ Thinking of traveling solo? Find out why I love it and why you might too!

Making friends on the Bamboo Train in Cambodia

What You’ll Find Here

  • Solo travel tips to help you plan with confidence
  • In-depth destination guides based on real experience
  • Packing lists, budget advice, and stories from the road
  • Cultural and historical insights—because I can’t resist a museum or ancient ruin

Everything I share is based on first-hand experience—what’s worked, what hasn’t, and what I wish I’d known before I went.

After navigating public transport in Bangkok, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, cycling along the Mekong in Laos, and finding hidden cafés in Chiang Mai, I share tested tips to make your trip stress-free.

A woman in a blue and white patterned dress stands on a wooden deck with pink flowers, smiling at the camera. Behind her, the Marina Bay Sands hotel rises above the waterfront.
Singapore was my first stop on this year-long adventure

A Bit More About Me

I studied history at university and still geek out over anything with a backstory. Whether it’s a centuries-old temple in Thailand or a Porto’s medieval beauty, I love exploring how the past shapes the places we see today. That curiosity often finds its way into my writing. For example, in Cambodia I explored the devastating impact of the Khmer Rouge in Phnom Penh, before moving on to the splendour of Angkor Wat – a mind-boggling contrast in such a beautiful country. If you love understanding the past while experiencing the present, you’re in the right place.

When I’m not travelling, I’m either planning the next trip, reading novels about the countries I’m visiting, or editing blog posts in a café somewhere with decent WiFi.

Cong Cafe was a great place to visit after a day on Da Nang’s beautiful My Khe beach

Some of my favourite destinations as a solo female

  • George Town, Malaysia – such a vibrant, thriving city. Full of gorgeous street art and coffee shops, and I always felt safe and comfortable. And just as important, I go into Penang activities that aren’t worth time on your itinerary.
  • Bath, England – Filled with layers of history, from the Romans to Regency townhouses. It’s also home to the Jane Austen Museum and the fabulous Mr Darcy Afternoon Tea – what more could a girl want! As a local, I prepared a guide to help you make this most of this UNESCO-listed city.
  • Sumatra, Indonesia – definitely a more off-the-beaten-track part of Indonesia. People here were so friendly and always respectful and helpful. My guide will help you find out how to spot orangutans, go river tubing and have an almost Alpine retreat at beautiful Lake Toba.
  • Hoi An, Vietnam – Vietnam in general felt really safe as a solo female traveller and Hoi An is so bustling and busy I was never worried. It’s full of cool things to do that don’t cost the earth as a solo traveller and it’s one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been. Find out everything you need to know to visit Hoi An, and the best things to do once you get there!
Em on a big rubber tube in a river
I absolultey loved river tubing in Sumatra!

Let’s Connect

I love hearing from fellow travellers—especially if you’re planning your first solo trip or looking for off-the-beaten-path ideas. You can reach out via my Contact page, or follow my latest adventures on Instagram and Pinterest.

Thanks for being here—I hope Em’s Globetrotting Gems inspires you to book that trip, pack your bags, and see where the journey takes you.